Flupentixol is an antipsychotic neuroleptic drug. It is a thioxanthene, and therefore closely related to the phenothiazines. Its primary use is as a long acting injection given two or three weekly to people with schizophrenia who have a poor compliance with medication and suffer frequent relapses of illness. It is a D1 and D2 receptor antagonist. It is not approved in the United States.

This compound belongs to the thioxanthenes. These are organic polycyclic compounds containing a thioxanthene moiety, which is an aromatic tricycle derived from xanthene by replacing the oxygen atom with a sulfur atom.

Pharmacology

Indication

For use in the treatment of schizophrenia and depression

Pharmacodynamics

Flupenthixol is an anxiolytic, antidepressive agent and a mood stabilizer. It inhibits the central monoamine receptors, particularly the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. Therefore, it increases the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline that control mood and thinking, and improves mood.

Mechanism of action

Flupenthixol is a thioxanthene antipsychotic. The mechanism of action of Flupenthixol is not completely understood. Flupenthixol is a powerful antagonist of both D1 and D2 dopamine receptors, and an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist. It's antipsychotic activity is thought to be related to blocks postsynaptic dopamine receptors in the CNS.

The therapeutic effects of the central acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI), Tacrine, and/or the anticholinergic/antipsychotic, Flupenthixol, may be reduced due to antagonism. This interaction may be beneficial when the anticholinergic action is a side effect. AChEIs may also augment the central neurotoxic effect of antipsychotics. Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and decreased efficacy of both agents.